Julian Bremner

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Divorce

How has Julian Bremner helped you?

Not great

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No

What could they have done better?

I really cannot recommend this firm. I dealt with one of their people (Partner and Financial Arbitrator) on a family law case. From mid-April to July 2022, they charged me over £31,500. Not a high value case and no court appearances, though there was a read in fee (increased after leaving their offices) and arbitration directions hearing of a few hours. Every month, the invoice was way over what they had estimated (2-3 times higher). I instructed them to submit an offer to try and resolve things and the partner got so many details wrong in the draft letter (ownership of assets, our ages, my proposed distribution of assets etc.) I was left wondering if it was him who actually drafted it, even though I was clearly paying his rates. After the directions hearing I had to question him on his advice because he still had key dates wrong. His explanation was that he was dictating it without the necessary paperwork in front of him. So I have to pay +£300 an hour for a guy who gets this much wrong?! They wanted to spend a week working on the s25 statements, which I knew would be another £18,000+ before even getting to arbitration. I had to tell them to stop EVERYTHING just to get a hold on the charges and they still continued to try and do stuff and charge me for it. When I dismissed them in September 2022, a full lever arch file full of papers (correspondence etc.) which I brought with me at the time of instruction, had been disposed of without my consent. Complaint copied to the senior partner who carries the name of the company - no response. My honest advice would be don’t go there and if you are there and scratching your head about the rates, leave straight away. I am wondering if there are ex employees of this company who would have a few things to say. Update after posting: The response form Raydens is definitely telling….there is no doubt I complained very loudly about the charges, the mistakes and disposing of my physical file, with the most senior partner in copy. I am not sure if they only regard it as a complaint if the ombudsman gets involved.

How has Julian Bremner helped you?

So far very good, I am very pleased with the advice.

What could they have done better?

Cost was always going to be an issue for me, but it is important for any prospective client to understand that cost and quality are linked.

How has Julian Bremner helped you?

When the family department in the law firm that was representing me shut down on short notice, Julian (who had been only remotely involved in my case) called me long distance and offered to take assist me going forward. This showed his first quality, proactivity, which he later demonstrated throughout what was a difficult and protracted case. Julian has integrity, both professional and vis-à-vis his client (myself) which is reassuring and inspires confidence. He possesses a thorough knowledge of the laws and practices, is organized and cost-conscious. He is commercially minded when it comes to expectations and results (a quality which I appreciate being a commercially minded lawyer myself) and manages to keep his eye on the objective. He is also a pleasure to work with.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Under the circumstances, he achieved a satisfactory result.

How has Julian Bremner helped you?

For many a divorce is a very stressful and emotional time, especially when there are children involved. I was lucky to have Julian as my solicitor. Julian's advice and guidance with regards to all aspects of the divorce was excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend Julian.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I am 100% satisfied.

How has Julian Bremner helped you?

This was my first experience of dealing with the law and I was fairly naive about it. I found Mr Julian Bremner to be very approachable and he explained my case well to me. I felt he understood the situation well and he guided me through the process in the best possible manner. He always explained what was happening and the meaning of everything thoroughly and he always answered my questions efficiently.

What could they have done better?

The costs did stack up quicker than I anticipated, however, Mr Bremner did try to find cost efficient ways to do certain parts of the work, such as using a newly qualified member of staff.